ReCharge

Speculative Design Project

Timeline: 3 weeks

The purpose of ReCharge is to rejuvenate the user and leave them feeling refreshed and renewed.

In a world where many feel overworked and stressed, ReCharge gives you the boost you need. When taking a nap is impractical or challenging, meditation is a great tool to quickly relax and reset your mind.

High levels of stress can lead to a number of health problems like heart disease, obesity, and depression.
~Mayo Clinic
Meditation is known to reduce the amount of stress experienced as well as counteract its adverse effects.
~Healthline

34%

of the most purchased types of healthcare apps in the US are meditation apps.

The number of meditating users in the US has risen by 3 times since 2012.

The US meditation market is anticipated to be valued at $2.08 billion by the year 2022.

Data and statistics from Appinventiv

Dan

32 years old
Works in the human resources department at a start-up.
Is looking for something he can use to help better the work environment and stress load of his peers.
Nicole

37 years old
Runs her own small business.
Wants a quick and healthy way to feel relaxed and re-energized so she can continue to grow her business.

Before I started sketching I asked myself a few questions to understand the environment this product would exist in.

What kind of world does this product exist in?

What clothes do people wear?

What technology exists?

What is the average person like?

What has changed about our culture?

How it works.

ReCharge puts the user in a meditative state by blocking excessive sensory input. The eye cover blocks out 80% of light while providing a snug and comforting amount of pressure. The earpieces are noise canceling and can play music, a guided meditation, or just white noise. Lastly, the mask will release a calming scent of the user’s choice provided by the scent pods on the sides of the earpieces.

scent pods

face shield

cloth eye cover

ear pieces

Scent Options

Ocean

Lavender

Citrus

Sage

Meadow

Warm Cotton

I used this project as an opportunity to explore a variety of prototyping methods.

I cut the acrylic using a laser cutter and then bent it by hand using a heat gun.

This took many tries and iterations but I eventually got a bend that I was proud of. I later added a frosted effect with spray paint as a nice finish.

I had never 3D printed on my own before. Learning how to set up my CAD files in a way that would make the cleanest prints was a new experience and took a couple of tries to get right.

I wanted to make the ear cushions myself and had to learn how to sew as a result.

Sewing small curved pieces for the first time was not easy but after some practice, I started to get a feel for the process.

Final Prototype

This project challenged me to learn several new skills in a short span of time. After many long nights, failures, and successes I had a look-a-like prototype. I had a lot of fun with this project and am excited to expand on the new skills that I have learned.

<<<